§ 84. Captain CAZALETasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that members of the consular service are granted 45 days' leave a year, but any night, even during the week-end when the consular office is closed, spent away from their actual place of residence is deducted from this period of vacation; and whether, as this prevents consuls from getting to know their local districts and restricts the amount of knowledge they are able to send home, he will alter the conditions of service in this respect?
Mr. SAMUELI am sure that my hon. and gallant Friend will be glad to know that he has been misinformed. Members of the Consular Service receive 42 or 56 days' leave a year according to their seniority. No deductions are made from these periods in respect of absences such as those referred to. Time spent on journeys undertaken by consular officers, within their districts under authority from this Department, does not count as leave of absence.